Nantucket Vibes with Disney Magic: BoardWalk Resort Area - A Best Kept Secret

Tucked between Epcot and Hollywood Studios is one of Walt Disney World’s most charming little corners — the BoardWalk resort area. With its breezy coastal atmosphere, pastel buildings, and nostalgic charm, it feels like you’ve stepped into a seaside New England town… if that town happened to be sprinkled with pixie dust.

If you’re craving a relaxing resort experience that still puts you right in the middle of the Disney magic, this area is a hidden gem. It’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting a touch of beachy charm without sacrificing convenience or theming.

Here’s a breakdown of each resort, what sets them apart, and all the reasons this area might be the perfect fit for your next Disney vacation:

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

If you want to be right on the action, BoardWalk Inn places you in the center of a Coney Island-style promenade filled with street performers, midway games, and twinkly lights. It’s whimsical, classic, and a little quirky — the most “Disney-feeling” of the three.

Why it’s great:

Step out your door to the BoardWalk for dining, snacks, and entertainment
Try Trattoria al Forno for breakfast or dinner, or grab late-night eats at the Pizza Window
Rooms are beautifully themed with vintage touches, and you can even book a Garden View Room for a quieter stay

Other Resorts in the Area

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Refined, nautical, and effortlessly elegant — Yacht Club feels like stepping into a Cape Cod yacht club. It leans slightly more formal than its sister resort (Beach Club), making it a popular choice for adults, couples, and convention guests.

Why families love it:

Access to Stormalong Bay — a 3-acre pool complex with a lazy river, sandy-bottom pool, and shipwreck slide
Walkable to Epcot and Hollywood Studios
Boat transportation and Skyliner access
Rooms sleep up to 5, and some have water views or Club Level upgrades

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

This one’s for the pastel lovers. It’s airy, relaxed, and full of soft coastal colors — and while it shares amenities with Yacht Club, Beach Club tends to feel more casual and family-focused.

Don’t miss:

Cape May Café, featuring a character breakfast with Minnie and friends
Proximity to Epcot’s International Gateway entrance (just a 5-minute walk!)
Stormalong Bay (shared with Yacht Club — and worth mentioning twice)
Rooms here also sleep up to 5, with easy access to the pool, BoardWalk, and beachy courtyards

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels

These sister properties aren’t Disney-owned, but they’re still right in the magic — with deluxe amenities and often lower price points.

The vibe:

More of a traditional upscale hotel feel (great for business travelers or those looking for high-end dining)
Home to Shula’s Steak House, Todd English’s bluezoo, and the fan-favorite Kimonos Sushi Bar
Guests still get access to early park entry and walk/boat routes to Epcot & Hollywood Studios

Note: These hotels use Marriott Bonvoy points, so they’re also a great option for points travelers!

Transportation Options from the BoardWalk Area

This is one of the most walkable and well-connected resort zones in all of Disney World:

Walk or boat to Epcot (5 min) and Hollywood Studios (15–20 min)
Skyliner station located at Epcot’s International Gateway
Bus service available to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the water parks

Whether you’re in the mood for a peaceful morning stroll along the water, a character breakfast before heading to the parks, or a low-key night with BoardWalk performers and a funnel cake in hand, this area offers a slower-paced Disney stay — without sacrificing the convenience or magic.

Is the BoardWalk Area Right for Your Family?

This area is especially ideal if:

You’re planning to spend a lot of time at Epcot or Hollywood Studios
You want easy Skyliner access without staying at a Skyliner resort
You’re traveling with kids who love pool time — Stormalong Bay is a vacation in itself
You love a mix of Disney magic and laid-back, coastal vibes

For special needs families, this area is especially great because of its walkability, the quieter paths around Crescent Lake, and the option to take a boat instead of a bus. Many rooms also offer flexible setups for sleeping arrangements and added space for gear or medical equipment.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve only ever stayed near Magic Kingdom or at value resorts, the BoardWalk area might surprise you. It’s peaceful, charming, and full of hidden gems — all just a hop, skip, and monorail away from the rest of Walt Disney World.

Planning tip: These resorts are popular during Epcot festival seasons (hello, Flower & Garden), so book early — and reach out if you need help deciding which one fits your family best!